With summer and those long-awaited vacations just around the corner, excitement is building for anyone craving a break from daily life. As if navigating airports wasn’t stressful enough, a new TSA rule might add another layer of anxiety to your next getaway.
The new measure proposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bans these travel essentials: portable chargers, cellphone battery cases, and power banks that use lithium batteries are no longer allowed in checked luggage.
According to the updated regulation, travelers carrying these types of gadgets must pack them in their carry-on bags only.
The rule also applies to lithium-metal and spare rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for personal electronics like cameras, phones, laptops, tablets, watches, and calculators. Other items powered by lithium batteries, such as e-cigarettes and vape pens, must also be stored in carry-on luggage.
So, what’s behind the ban?
According to the FAA, these devices have a tendency to overheat and can potentially spark (especially if damaged), posing a serious safety risk. If a lithium battery ends up in your checked bag, you could face long delays at security checkpoints. If your bag is flagged during screening, the batteries may be confiscated.